Before the Executioner

When Rebbi Shimon and Rebbi Yishmael were taken out to be killed, Rebbi Yishmael fell at the feet of the executioner and begged, “I am a Kohen Gadol, the son of Kohanim Gedolim. Kill me first, so that I will not see the death of my fellow.” Rebbi Shimon pleaded, “I am a Nassi, the son of a Nassi. Kill me first, so that I will not see the death of my fellow.”

The executioner cast lots, and the lot fell on Rebbi Shimon to be killed first. The executioner immediately beheaded him. Rebbi Yishmael took the head in his arms and placed his eyes against the eyes of Rebbi Shimon and his mouth against his mouth. In a loud voice he cried out, “Holy lips, you never spoke anything but the secrets of the Torah. How can you be made to lick the dust?”